I'm not a young man. I have 20 years of experience, education and hard knocks behind me. I paid my dues and now my kids will benefit because I'll be able to spend more time with them, instead of hitting the salt mines every day to make ends meet.

Each of these fall travel adventures selected by the ShermansTravel team is bound to give you a one-of-a-kind perspective on the bold waves of crimson, fiery-orange and golden hues that sweep the country at this time of year.

"Since we cannot count on 100% reliable transportation," said the flyer mailed to me in advance, "You must be in good physical condition so that you can hike to safety ... in rugged weather conditions with energy-sapping cold, chilling and buffeting winds and through deep drifted snow." I was ready.